Overview

• Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance school bus safety, including expanded random drug testing for drivers by both companies and police.
• The plan introduces technology to perform pre-service drug checks capable of blocking bus operation, though its deployment will take several months.
• Stricter penalties will be enforced for drivers testing positive for drugs, with aggravated sanctions when transporting children.
• Buses will be updated with mandatory seat belts, cameras to monitor driver attention, and emergency alert numbers on student seats for immediate reporting of issues.
• Since the January accident that killed a 15-year-old, over 10,000 drug tests have been conducted, revealing systemic issues that the new measures aim to address.